"Is there any event I should be aware of, aside from Viscount Orion's visit?" I asked, my steps echoing softly in the corridor as Clara followed closely behind.
"None that I've been notified of, young master," Clara said with a calm tone. "Do you wish to adjust your schedule for the day?"
"No changes needed. It's just—there are way too many Falcon Crests around. This level of scrutiny doesn't really line up with a viscount's visit, would it?"
"Indeed, young master. Such scrutiny is unsual. If you wish, I shall discreetly look into the matter and report back at once." Clara said with a soft bow, her voice calm but attentive.
"No need for discretion, Clara," I said, still eyeing the unusually heavy guard presence. "Just grab whatever info you can, from wherever you can."
She didn't even wait for me to finish the sentence — a quick nod, and she was gone?
Great. Having all these powerhouses around me is like a constant reminder that I'm basically the weak link in the chain. It's like a daily 'hey, trash, you doing good?' message from the universe.
I asked Clara earlier to walk me through a few spots around the castle.
I'll be giving my fiancée a tour when she arrives this afternoon, and considering she might be staying for a couple of days—depending on how her father's meetings with mine go—I figured it'd be good to have something prepared.
I thought showing her around might help ease us into more open conversations. I covered most of the castle's more scenic areas, and on my way back, I let myself stroll a bit longer than planned.
Near the training grounds, I caught sight of my sister Juli practicing her swordsmanship.
Her every movement was fluid, almost like a dance—graceful yet purposeful.
The way her blade moved through the air held a rhythm of its own, not just refined technique but an artistry that turned combat into something beautiful.
For a moment, it was hard to tell if she was wielding the sword or if it was simply an extension of her will.
I stood there, quietly waiting for the soon-to-be sword saint to notice my presence, all the while completely absorbed in the brilliance of her performance.
After completing a sequence of sword movements that flowed so seamlessly they could've been choreographed, Juli finally snapped back to reality.
The moment her eyes met mine, they widened slightly—surprise, maybe hesitation—and I could see her weighing whether to approach.
Thankfully, she made up her mind and began walking over.
"Good morning, brother. I hope you're having a great day," Juli greeted, her tone composed and her smile polite—reserved, like she was still unsure how much warmth to show.
"Well, watching my little sister look like a sword saint in training while I barely manage not to trip on flat ground—yeah, I'd say the day's off to a decent start," I said with a faint smirk and a saracstic tone.
"The air feels a little thick with jealousy today, don't you think, brother?" Juli said, matching my sarcasm with a sly grin.
I let out a short chuckle and replied,
"Jealousy? Can you blame me? If I moved half as gracefully as you, I'd be accused of witchcraft."
juli chuckled softly, covering her mouth in a ladylike manner. "Flattery won't get you far, brother," she said, a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Also… I happened to notice you've claimed the duchy's study for yourself. I was under the impression the insignia had its limits—was I mistaken?" Her tone was light, but the question underneath was anything but casual.
"Wow, you've really got an eye for detail, huh? Or should I say… a few extra sets of eyes, my dear sister?" I said, flashing a knowing smirk.
"I noticed you entering the study and… well, I asked the servants if it was part of your routine, brother," she said, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation. "They didn't start talking on their own—I was just curious, that's all."
"Just ask me, Juli," I said with a light sigh. "A simple knock on the door, and you're welcome anytime." I gave a quick glance around at the open training ground, then added with a sarcastic grin, "Well, we'll save that conversation for later. But hey, if you're still curious, the door's not locked."
Her eyes dropped for a moment, a flicker of hesitation passing through them—maybe caught off guard by the sudden use of her name. But it didn't take her long to catch on. Realizing I was trying to steer the conversation away from prying ears, she gave a small, understanding nod.
"Later, then, my dear sister," I said with a smirk. "And just so you don't have to go digging through the maids again—I've got an appointment with some visitors this afternoon."
I raised an eyebrow, genuinely amused—did she just...pout at me...? "Hope you have a fruitful meeting, Brother Hugo," she added with that innocent little smile of hers, like she wasn't the same girl who just tried to interrogate me seconds ago.
"And I'll take you up on that offer—expect a visit later today." She tossed the words over her shoulder with a playful lilt, not even waiting for a response. Just like that, she disappeared down the path, leaving me with nothing but the echo of her declaration and a sigh that almost slipped out.
Watching my sister's figure disappear around the corner, I turned back with a quiet sigh and headed toward my room.
There were still a few things I needed to double-check before this afternoon's visit, I should leave no room for slip-ups when nobles are involved.
On my way back, Clara's inspect window popped up in front of me, followed by her actual self appearing right beside me. I didn't even hear her footsteps. Seriously, these people move at absurd speeds like it's just a normal Tuesday.
"Young master, there isn't much concrete information regarding the increased scrutiny," Clara began, walking steadily beside me.
"However, the common sentiment among the castle maids is that the sudden deployment of Falcon soldiers happened right after the high-level meeting involving the duchy's four ministers. As for the castle guards, they were instructed to carry on with their usual duties—nothing out of the ordinary on the surface—except..." she paused for a beat, "a few quiet changes were made in their chain of command to accommodate Falcon representatives."
"Haha," I let out a light chuckle and said with an amused tone, "Buckle up, Clara. Things aren't going to be the same from now on."
"....Will things start changing around you too, young master...?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
"Hard to say for now. But I've got a feeling things will start shifting eventually. It's only a matter of time." I replied, watching Clara from the corner of my eye.
.....
"Thinking of relocating from the quarters to here?" I asked casually, half-guessing her intentions.
...."Yes, young master...," she replied softly, her eyes flickering with a hint of concern. "I shall consult with Lady Seraphina later regarding the accommodation details."
"Relax, Clara," I said as I pushed open the door to my room, my tone light, careless. "Things'll play out just fine."
"Of course, young master, everything will be fine." She replied, her voice steady with quiet determination, as if assuring both of us at once.
"Good", I said, glancing over my shoulder, "And schedule my meal a bit earlier today. I'd rather be available when I'm needed to receive the visitors."
"Certainly, young master. As you wish," she replied softly, and with those words, she gently closed the door.
After the meal, I took some time to double-check the history of the Leon Duchy and review their current political standing using the documents Gavric provided.
If my assumptions are correct, then Sylvia might just be a critical piece in the game I'm setting up. An opportunity like this, handed over on a silver platter, doesn't come often. No way I'm letting it slip through my fingers.
As I was lost in thought, a soft knock echoed from the door.
"Young master, it's about time," Clara's voice came through, gentle and composed. "Miss Seraphina has arranged the necessary formalities and is on her way to inform His Grace, Lord Everard. Shall we head there as well, young master?"
"Yeah, lead the way," I said, giving the mirror one last glance.
Clara led me to the castle's main fountain... Apparently, this was the designated spot where visitors with significant privilege got the royal treatment.
Basically, if your carriage stops here, you're not just anyone.
Orion might just be a viscount from a foreign duchy, but the fact that he holds succession rights to the Leon Duchy changes things.
This grand welcome quietly signals that Everard still sees Orion's claim to Leon as a card worth playing.
Soon, a carriage bearing the crest of a lion, its fiery mane giving the illusion that its face was wreathed in flames, rolled into view.
Another followed close behind, this one lacking any emblem, but its construction spoke volumes. Crafted from rare wood capable of withstanding mana-enhanced arrows and wide-area artifacts, it was built for more than comfort.
Flanking it were soldiers clad in polished armor, each piece engraved with the same lion crest, their presence as much a statement as the carriages themselves.
Clara appeared behind me so smoothly you'd think she rehearsed it in a mirror, and with a voice that screamed 'this is completely normal and not at all dumping responsibility on you,' she said, "Young master, you are to receive the guests and lead them to the castle. Lord Everard is waiting for Lord Orion in his chamber." Then, without waiting for a reaction- I mean, why bother? She vanished back to her post like she hadn't just handed me the job of royal doorman with a straight face.
I sighed inwardly, took a couple of steps forward, and just like that, the Falcon soldiers flanking me snapped into position, moving as if I'd triggered some invisible command.
The front carriage halted at a respectful distance, while the one behind it smoothly rolled up, stopping dead center between the guards, like this was all choreographed in advance.
One of the two soldiers moved to the door without hesitation and pulled it open. Out stepped an elegant man, smile confident and posture composed, walking like the whole world had been waiting for his arrival.
I offered a polite bow and said, "Lord Orion, your arrival brings a welcome breeze to our halls. It's a pleasure to receive you on behalf of the duchy."
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Hugo. To be welcomed by the next Duke himself, why, that is an honor beyond measure," Orion replied, his voice carrying the easy composure of a man well-versed in diplomacy.
"Your compliments are most gracious, Lord Orion, though perhaps a touch too generous between men of equal standing." I said, my crimson eyes laced with a subtle trace of scrutiny.
Orion's eyes widened ever so slightly, perhaps wondering how I could already be aware of Everard's silent support of his claim to the leon duchy.
"Hahaha, your words carry the same ease and grace as your presence, Lord Hugo."
He stepped forward with composed grace, accepting my extended hand in a firm yet respectful handshake. After the brief gesture, his gaze shifted toward the carriage behind him.
"My daughter has long wished to witness the grace of the distinguished Falcon Duchy," he said, his tone measured and courteous. "If it aligns with your house's courtesy, I would be grateful for her to be received under its protection during our stay."
"But of course, Lord Orion. Welcoming my betrothed is both my duty and an honor, it is never merely a courtesy," I said with a composed tone, offering a slight bow before approaching the carriage. The Falcon soldier stationed beside it respectfully stepped aside as I reached for the door.
The moment I laid eyes on her, time seemed to slow. She stepped down from the carriage with a natural grace that made even the falcon soldiers straighten unconsciously. Her obsidian eyes scanned her surroundings with calm composure, and her gaze briefly met mine—sharp, observant, unreadable.
Clad in a deep blue dress embroidered with silver threads that caught the light like stardust, she looked nothing like the daughter of a minor viscount.
No unnecessary jewelry, no attempt to draw attention.A noble's daughter, no doubt, but she didn't carry herself like one bred for ballroom applause.
Just quiet elegance and a presence that could command a room without saying a word.
And that's when I felt it—
The difference between being born into power… and being born to wield it.
And somehow, I was supposed to marry her?
I stepped forward, hand outstretched, the polished insignia on my coat catching a sliver of sunlight. Her gaze flicked to it—not out of awe, but as if checking the validity of a seal she already expected.
Then her eyes rose to meet mine, and for a moment, time slowed. Obsidian met crimson, two colors too bold to look away from, yet neither willing to yield.
Without breaking eye contact, she lifted her hand and placed it gently in mine.
Her other hand pinched the edge of her gown, lifting it just enough for a bow—graceful, dignified, almost effortless.
No words, no flourish, but everything about her motion spoke volumes: restraint, training, pride, and an awareness of exactly what this moment meant.
Her hand felt very delicate in mine, yet that subtle touch whispered of proficience with sword. Still, despite that hidden strength, it held the grace and softness of a lotus petal.
"Good day, Lady Sylvia. I trust your journey was a pleasant one and that the road treated you with the comfort you deserve.It's a pleasure to receive you in person at last."
I said, returning her bow with one of my own, measured and respectful, just enough to match her grace without overstepping.